Live Music — Pubs in Leicester

Barley Mow

149 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FE

Traditional town centre boozer only 3 minutes from the railway station platforms. A 2013 refurbishment gave it an Ale House theme with 13 handpumps - some of which regularly carry ciders.

Braunstone Victoria Working Mens Club

Cantrell Road, Leicester LE3 1SD

This large club, which started trading in 1953, is situated on Leicester’s Braunstone Estate, and is open to members, members guests and CIU affiliated members. To the right of the front foyer is a large bar/lounge bar and to the left is an even larger concert room. The club also has a games room upstairs, on the first floor.

Bricklayers Arms

78 Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7AB

The interior consists of one large open-plan room in rather sparse style. There are several sports TVs. At the back is a partially covered courtyard/smoking area.

Cherry Tree

43 East Bond Street, Leicester LE1 4SX

A three-storey former hotel situated within Leicester’s Church Gate conservation area, still boldly displaying the M&B Mitchells & Butlers logo on the front elevation wall. The small public bar is reminiscent of the front room of a terraced house. Adjoining the bar is a pool table room. There is also a separate lounge bar. The curtilage of the partially covered back yard is circumscribed by the walls of the neighbouring historic Great Meeting School which is an early 18th century Grade II listed building built in the gothic revival style.

Cradock Arms

201 Knighton Road, Leicester LE2 3TT

Thatched village pub in what is now a city suburb. Large single room that feels like a number of distinct areas for eating or drinking. Open mic and quiz nights held. The pub has won awards for its cellar.

Cricketers

1 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AD

Situated adjoining Leicestershire County Cricket ground. The interior consists of a public bar with pool tables at the front. an extended lounge bar with family/dining annex; and an upstairs function room with balcony overlooking the cricket ground. At the side and rear, the paved patio and lawn are furnished with picnic tables, and there is play equipment for the kids. A footpath at the side of the pub car park gives pedestrian access to the cricket ground. A guest beer or Everard's seasonal brew is sometimes available.

Crows Nest

1 Glenfield Road East, Leicester LE3 5QW

The pub consists of lounge bar/dining room linked by an arched walkthrough to a public bar/games room with pool table and darts board. Outside are a block paved patio area furnished with picnic tables and a children’s play area.

Eyres Monsell Working Mens Club

Little John Road, Leicester LE2 9BL

The club was founded on 3rd June 1966. Access to the club is available to members, members guests and CIU affiliated members. The main entrance foyer leads into the lounge, behind which is the bar/pool room, with one pool table, and even further back is the function/ snooker room, with a full size snooker table. To the right of all three of these rooms is the very large concert room. Darts torments are often hosted at the club, facilitated by the availability of darts boards in every room. Outside, to the left of the club is a heated smokers’ shelter and a paved area with picnic tables. There is also an astroturf lawn where kids can play football.

Firebug

1 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN

Housed in the former Leicester Gas Offices this pub consists of a very large room on the ground floor, a function room with its own bar upstairs and a rear yard furnished with picnic tables. Catering for a varied clientele during the day with the emphasis shifting towards the younger customer as the night evolves into the next day. The handpumps are at the right-hand end of the counter.

Legends

52 Gateway Street, Leicester LE2 7DP

The ground floor of this former factory was opened as a pub LEICESTER GATEWAY by the Nottingham pubco Tynemill (later Castle Rock) in January 2000; but was closed by Castle Rock in 2008. After several renamings, it became LEGENDS in 2018. A large single-room bar with timber floor and tiles. The interior has life-size models of Elvis, Monroe, Bogart and others; also a display of Leicester City FC "legends". The music can be loud, and there are several sports TVs, an entertainment area and a pool table.

Hind

49 London Road, Leicester LE2 0PD

Today the pub is known as "The Hind and PB Lounge" and consists of an expansive open plan U-shaped room with a central bar. An unpretentious ambience is enhanced by uncovered floorboards and real open fireplaces. Out the back are a part tarmacadam and part timber decked yard furnished with picnic tables and three alcoves, set in the former stables block, equipped with tables and chairs.

Latimer Ward Conservative Club

Surrey Street, Leicester LE4 6BT

Access to the club is restricted to member, their guests plus ACC & CIU affiliated members. The Latimer Ward Conservative Club is unusual in being a member of both the Association of Conservative Clubs (ACC) and the Club Institutional Union (C.I.U.). This club offers regular games nights, quiz nights & live entertainment as well as a function room.

Leicester Railwaymens Club & Institute

Leicester Street, Leicester LE5 4FS

Club access is restricted to members and their guests as well as CIU affiliated members. This is an absolutely huge club offering many facilities. The ground floor comprises of restaurant, snooker room, games room, large concert room, and a comfortable bar, where a very large trophy cabinet is on display. Upstairs on the first floor is the lounge bar, and on the landing wall is a large photograph taken in 1924, depicting the clubs founder members.

Loaded Dog

144 London Road, Leicester LE2 1ED

Opened by Bass as a "Scream" branded student-orientated pub in 1997. Climbing up the steps to the front door and down the stairs into the bar brings you into a surprisingly large room with impressive timber ceiling. Pool and table football can be played, and major sporting events are shown on big screens. DJs and occasional live music are hosted. Promotions and offers on food and drink are targeted at students, and a loyalty card is available. Unfortunately, real ale was removed in 2019.

Marquis Wellington

139 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EF

This historic pub with a richly decorated facade stands out on the London Road thoroughfare. A good range of real ales, ciders and quality food are available. The pub is popular with local workers, shoppers and students. The weekly quiz on Monday nights is £1 entry, all money going to charity (the charity changes from time to time). The garden features heated beach huts for cooler nights and shelter from the sun.Vegan menu available and hosts live music nights.

Market Tavern

3-5 Market Place, Leicester LE1 5GG

This boisterous town local comprises a conversion of the original small Yates's Wine Lodge, known as the 'Jetty', which was extended into an adjacent shop on Hotel Street in about 1986.

Merry Monarch

23 Fosse Road South, Leicester LE3 0LP

Built by M&B of Birmingham in 1965-1966 as part of a local shopping precinct. There is a large bar, a lounge and a function room; also a small rear garden. The Doom Bar may not be available in the early part of the week.

Musician

Clyde Street, Leicester LE1 2DE

Formerly the Bakers Arms. Ex Nottingham Brewery, then Tennants of Sheffield, then Whitbread. This small pub was built during the 19th century and was a community pub serving the inhabitants of the terraced houses that clustered around it. The second half of the 20th century saw both the community and their houses vanish, culminating in the pub becoming abandoned and derelict by the late 1990s. The premises were given a new lease of life and a new name opening in 2000 as The Musician; then in 2004, the building underwent a major expansion. The venue is said now, by some, to be the Midlands premier independent music venue with live music at least six nights a week. Doors open at 8pm and the music events start at around 8.30pm.

New Parks Social Club

Battersbee Road, Leicester LE3 9LD

Large post-war social club. Darts, skittles. pool, cribbage and bingo all played here. Football shown on the TVs, live music and children's activities feature.

Newfoundpool Working Mens Club

55 Beatrice Road, Leicester LE3 9FJ

Large traditional non-political social club located in terraced streets.

Nottingham Oddfellows Club

89 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 1WB

This club, which was founded in 1887, has the complete name of “Nottingham Imperial Order of Oddfellows Club & Institute”. The term Oddfellows refers to one of the oldest of the friendly societies and, much like Freemasonry, the Oddfellows fraternity claim their roots go back to the trade guilds in the 12th and 13th centuries. Access to the club is available to members, members guests and CIU affiliated members. The club consists of two large rooms on the ground floor. To the right of the foyer is the lounge bar, with a stage for entertainers. Straight ahead is the games room with two snooker tables, one pool table, a skittles table, darts boards and no less than four impressively full trophy cabinets. On the first floor there is a large concert room not now in general use but available for functions.

Metal Monocle

59-61 Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LH

"Leicester’s first Steampunk rock bar". High Tables and stools and radiators are painted metallic gold in this bar with a music policy featuring classic rock, alternative and punk. Regular live music.

Old Horse

198 London Road, Leicester LE2 1NE

Nineteenth-century former coaching inn, handy for dog walkers, students and sports supporters. There are four monthly changing guest beers. They have a cider bar serving eight hand-pulled ciders, and the pub is a regular winner of Leicester CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year. Tasty and good value food is served, including Sunday carveries. Behind the pub is the largest pub garden in Leicester complete with children's play equipment. Regular quiz nights, karaoke and special events take place.

O'Neill's

16-20 Loseby Lane, Leicester LE1 5DR

O'Neills 'Irish' style pub was created in about 1995 by Bass by converting a large stationery shop. It later extended on the left to incorporate the former adjacent CROWN & THISTLE pub with its timbered frontage. A large open-plan interior in typical decor for this chain of Irish themed pubs. There are many TVs for sports events, including Irish sport; wooden tables with a mixture of seating styles; food is available all day including Irish recipes.

Tree

99 High Street, Leicester LE1 4JB

Reopened in August 2019 as one of Charles Wells' "Pizza, Pots and Pints" chain. The narrow front is deceptive as the pub goes back a fair distance to a surprisingly large and very attractive garden. The pub has a laid-back character with a mix of old furniture including some settees. Recorded music is played, and there is artwork on the walls, much of it for sale.

Phoenix

Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG

A purpose built independent cinema, art centre and café bar. The café bar is a light airy room where cinema lovers and others gather to converse, enjoy meals including burgers, salads and daily specials and the range of real ales. Drinks can be taken into the cinema. The real ales available are sourced from Everards and Langton breweries. The full range of Langton bottled beers is also available. Outside is a block paved area furnished with picnic tables.

Bowling Green

44 Oxford Street, Leicester LE1 5XW

It received a major refurbishment in the 1990s, when the interior was opened-out. After spells as the 'Fullback & Firkin', then Scream-branded 'Polar Bear', in 2015 it was given a makeover to return it to a more traditional pub which blended the older features with modern tastes. Two original fireplaces were uncovered during the refurbishment and the load bearing truss in the pub entrance area dates back to the 14th century. The front parts are old and beamed with panelling; the opened-out rear areas are modern with music, games and sports TVs. The pictures and wall displays feature scenes of Leicester or bowling. There is an enclosed courtyard area at the rear. The landlord is an enthusiastic cellarman committed to serving top class beer. Food is available all day. The pub may open at 10am for sporting events and during university terms.

Soundhouse

28 Southampton Street, Leicester LE1 1SJ

This was formerly the Queen Victoria, a traditional local owned by Ansells of Birmingham. Since 2010 it has operated mainly as a music venue, albeit with a "pub" atmosphere. An admission charge usually applies.

Regent Sports & Social Club

102 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7DA

This club was formerly known as the Gas Club, in the days when the Gas Board headquarters were situated just over the road and its employees’ used it as their social club. Prior to being a club, the actual building was a private dwelling house, designed (in consultation with the architect Henry Goddard), built and occupied in 1851 by The Leicester Artist known as John Flower. He is said to have purchased the land from the Town Council’s Estate Committee in 1850, at seven shillings (35p) per yard. There are two bars, one of which extends back into a large refurbished Function Room. A snooker room, table tennis, pool table, darts and traditional pub games are all available and the club is hosts to quiz teams. Opening hours are adjusted to ensure the club is open for a home darts match, City & Tigers home fixtures and if there is a function.

Rutland & Derby

21 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN

Since a refurbishment in about 2010, this pub has an open plan interior with a contemporary ambience. The long servery bar is directly facing the front entrance while off to the left is akin to a lounge bar which in turn leads to a restaurant area on a raised level. Out back is a block-paved courtyard with a metallic spiral staircase leading upto a rooftop terrace. The food offering features uncomplicated, ethically sourced ingredients.

Salmon

19 Butt Close Lane, Leicester LE1 4QA

A small corner local, built in 1854. It came into the ownership of the City Brewery (Lichfield) in the 20c; and later to Banks's Brewery of Wolverhampton. It formerly had a tiny lounge on the left and a very basic bar on the right, but was refurbished by Banks's in 1992 as a single U-shaped room in bright traditional style. Reopened as a free house in 2004; then as a Black Country Ales leased pub in February 2016. It has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sports following. The pub offers a selection of beers and ciders from twelve handpumps, from Black Country Ales, guest breweries, and two real ciders. Cobs and pork pies are available most times.

Scraptoft Valley Club

105 Grantham Road, Leicester LE5 1HR

The former Scraptoft Valley Working Men's Club was founded 1959, in a wooden shack, before moving into a purpose-built premises on Netherhall Estate in 1964. The club was affectionately known by its members as The Scrappy Valley, and in its time, this club hosted many top rank acts, but ceased trading in 2011, blaming financial difficulties and lack of use by its members. The clubhouse, now named Scraptoft Valley Club, has a new lease of life trading as a privately owned hostelry, with a premises license allowing access to one & all. Essentially, the premises consists of a large L-shaped public bar, as well as a substantial part of the club given over to the Valley Suites, used by the club for customers entertainment and specialising as catering venue for private parties and functions.

Distillery

27 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DP

A former shop, extended to form a rear entrance to Pocklingtons Walk. Opened as a 'Hogshead' pub by Whitbread in August 1998. Refurbished in 2006 when also renamed Slug & Lettuce'. The owners Stonegate refurbished the pub and reopened it as the 'Distillery' in November 2017. A broad-based establishment with all ages welcome to visit for a drink or a meal. It can be a place to rest on a shopping expedition or to enjoy a night out. There is an extensive food menu with many special offers. Multiscreen TV sport is arranged conveniently for both diners and drinkers and occasional live music events are arranged.

Meadows

1 Oronsay Road, Leicester LE4 0RT

The Meadow pub was built by Shipstones of Nottingham in about 1977. It was later owned by Oakwell Brewery of Barnsley. Two large plain rooms; games and evening entertainment.

Tom Hoskins

131 Beaumanor Road, Leicester LE4 5QE

Located in backstreets just off Abbey Lane, this pub adjoins the former Hoskins Brewery. This small Victorian brewery closed in 2001, although the brewery buildings are extant. The pub opened as the brewery tap only in 1984; before that, it was an off-licence only. At the end is a small plain bay-windowed bar with pool; to the left is a larger L-shaped panelled lounge with brewery bricabrac. Facing Robert Hall Street is a large sunny patio. In a back room, a barber is available Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Western

70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA

A traditional local in a residential location close to football and rugby grounds on the edge of the city centre; but now surrounded by high-rise student flats. After refurbishment, a comfortable bar remains, the lounge contains a smaller drinking area and a cafe, all in modern style, and open from 8am. There is a rear yard area. Sister pub to the nearby Sir Robert Peel. Up to two real ciders.

Black Horse

65 Narrow Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NA

Welcoming traditional Victorian pub with distinctive bar servery in a village conservation area on the city's edge. Sympathetically refurbished in 2018. Up to eight real ales available and home-cooked food is served. Coaches are welcome by prior arrangement. The skittle alley and function room can be hired and comedy features regularly. Beer festivals and community events are regularly hosted. Quiz night is Sunday. There is a large beer garden. There is a customer loyalty scheme.

Talbot

4 Thurcaston Road, Leicester LE4 5PF

The pub's interior consists of a lounge bar on the left and a small public bar on the right which is predominantly taken up by a pool table. An annex off of the bar contains a small stage which occasionally features Bollywood dancers.

Sir Charles Napier

Glenfield Road, Leicester LE3 6AR

The pub consists of: a public bar with darts board & skittles table; a good sized lounge bar with a small entertainer’s podium in one corner; a larger than customary snug with a warm ambiance enhanced by timber clad walls.

Jukebox

35 St Nicholas Place, Leicester LE1 4LD

The former 'Rockafellas' bar is now 'Jukebox', a music bar specialising in soul, funk and R&B. Live music every Friday; resident DJ every Saturday.

Parcel Yard

48a London Road, Leicester LE2 0QB

After entering through a single shop front on London Road, going down the stairs takes you into the spacious former sorting office and parcel yard for the adjacent railway station. This is a modern bar with a strong beer focus with four hand pumps and craft keg taps. A decent range of cocktails and wine. At one end of the bar is a restaurant area where the menu includes tapas, pizzas and burgers. Level access is available from Station Street.

BrewDog

8 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RA

A rebuild in 1996 of an old office building retaining the old frontage to Friar Lane. Opened as a VARSITY bar by Banks's in November 1997. Opened as a Brewdog pub in 2015. Industrial style decor with mix of high and low seating. Main bar and a side room on the ground floor; a further room upstairs. 20 keg beers from BrewDog & Guests + bottles. Breakfast available at weekends. Beer list available on website.

Willow

215 Humberstone Lane, Leicester LE4 9JR

A large suburban pub with two rooms. To the front of the pub is a large public bar with two pool tables. To rear-left is a large lounge bar / dining room with balustrade divides. Outside to the back is a small paved, partially-covered patio area, and a lawned area with picnic tables, childrens play equipment and a petanque piste. A wide range of food includes traditional pub favourites, value lunches on weekdays, plus a Sunday carvery.

Union

27 Middleton Street, Leicester LE2 8LU

A two-roomed traditional drinkers’ wet-trade only pub. On the left is a plain but boisterous public bar with darts, pool, TVs and music. A quieter lounge bar is on the right, but as part of a refurbishment, the traditional bench seating has been replaced by free-standing furniture. Out the back is a large split-level patio furnished with picnic tables.

Black Horse

1 Foxon Street, Leicester LE3 5LT

On the corner of busy Braunstone Gate, the only remaining traditional pub in a street of youth-oriented bars. There are two rooms separated by a central bar. The wood-panelled walls and practical furniture provide a comfortable setting for any event, a real community pub. There is live music four nights each week and Wednesday is quiz night. The guest beers are sourced through Everards and the cider is Westons Old Rosie. A roof terrace for open air drinking accommodates forty people.

Dos Hermanos

54 Queens Road, Leicester LE2 1TU

Dos Hermanos (Spanish for "Two Brothers") is linked by a central vestibule to the adjacent Barceloneta restaurant, both of which were opened by two brothers in 2002. The pub is promoted as a "1940s Cuban American bar". Viewed from the street the front elevation has the appearance of a shop front. At the front on the left side is a small front bar, distinctively suspended from the ceiling of which is a fleet of model galleons reminiscent of the Spanish Armada. At the back is a larger room with elaborate chandeliers. Opens at 10am weekends for breakfast-brunch. A large range of tapas dishes is available early evening. The bus stop from Leicester is right outside.

Manhattan 34

34 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD

1930's themed cocktail bar in the cultural quarter. Large windows let in the light and give you the chance to watch the world go by. Tunes played at the weekend and live acoustic nights.

Duffy's

18 Pocklingtons Walk, Leicester LE1 6BU

Until about 1999, this was the TOWN ARMS, a traditional three-roomed town pub owned by Bass. The interior was then much enlarged and knocked-together, and it had a spell as an African style bar. In April 2014, Duffy's relocated here from a small bar along the street. This is now an Irish style pub, with music sessions and sport to match.

Bruxelles

90-92 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP

Natterjacks

52A Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LG

A modern bar, opened in 2010 on the ground floor of a former factory. Central bar area with seating to either side. Go through the Tardis doors to reach the toilets. Narrow decked patio on the front. For a while, they sold Marston's Pedigree, but unfortunately the single handpump is now unused.